14/02/2023
SHUN PRACTICES PROMOTING THE TRIPLE THREAT
It is important to underscore that a nation’s most important resource is its people and more importantly a healthy people; That is where prosperity lies.
In view of this, Nandi residents have been called upon to avoid practices that may promote the Triple threat of new HIV infections, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and teen pregnancies which hinders the dreams of young girls.
Speaking at Emoo FM “Mwaa” program, Nandi Deputy Governor Dr Yulita Cheruiyot said the three were a silent threat to the nation amongst the youth who are the future of the country.
“This is a societal issue and to succeed in fighting the vices, we need to get out and talk about them openly,” said the Deputy Governor, adding that the government alone can’t solve it but can play the role of sensitizing citizens about the same.
“Time has come to say that things are not going in the right direction because our youth are under threat,” said Dr Yulita.
She said that there is need to confront the threat and called on the residents to unite in addressing the ‘Triple Threat’ including homosexuality among the adolescents and young people in Nandi County and other parts of Kenya.
She added that better coordination and close collaboration with involved institutions will help to address important issues in society.
The Deputy Governor highlighted sexual and gender-based violence as a crime that need to be addressed since it increases risk of HIV for women in the county and country at large.
She stressed that young people are at most risk of HIV infection, especially girls if they engage in sexual activities without protection against HIV and AIDS.
She said the County Government of Nandi is partnering with other institutions in an effort to end HIV and Aids as a public threat.
All this show the commitment and political will to address factors that drive the triple threat and promote the wellbeing of adolescents in the county. However, there is need to create awareness of the devastating impacts of the triple threat. Not only does it put pressure on population and development, it also increases the burden on healthcare and other vital social services. It also negatively impacts on girls’ and women’s empowerment and reduces their opportunities to engage in development at household, community and national level.
